Methods and devices to utilize unlicensed spectrum for direct to device communication for mobile satellite service to user equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vast areas of the globe are not covered by cellular mobile networks, and existing satellite communication systems face limitations due to antenna arrays, power constraints, and licensing rules, leading to underutilization of radio spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) network monitors real-time radio spectrum utilization, creating a spectrum usage map that includes licensed and unlicensed bands, which is shared with User Equipment (UE) via direct communication or terrestrial networks, enabling efficient use of both types of spectrum for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite communication systems use traditional licensed spectrum allocation, then reliability is improved, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates due to underutilization of available radio spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources into a unified communication system. The satellite communication system simultaneously utilizes both spectrum types, merging their advantages to achieve both reliability (from licensed spectrum) and high utilization efficiency (from unlicensed spectrum opportunistic access).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands based on real-time conditions. The spectrum allocation is not static but adapts to changing environmental factors, traffic demands, and spectrum availability, allowing the system to optimize performance continuously.
2Area of stationary object
If satellite systems operate in remote areas without terrestrial networks, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for autonomous spectrum management
Solution Approach 1:
User equipment in remote areas performs autonomous spectrum management without requiring complex satellite-side control. The UE independently monitors, selects, and switches between licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands based on pre-configured parameters and real-time measurements, reducing the complexity burden on the satellite system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures spectrum selection parameters, frequency lists, and switching criteria before the UE operates in remote areas. This preliminary preparation enables autonomous operation without requiring complex real-time decision-making capabilities during actual remote communication.
3Productivity
If the system monitors real-time spectrum usage across multiple bands, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial spectrum monitoring rather than continuous full-spectrum surveillance. It monitors only the necessary licensed and unlicensed bands relevant to current communication needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient spectrum utilization efficiency through targeted monitoring of key frequency ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for allocating spectrum to a plurality of User Equipment (UEs) in a communication network served by a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) satellite. The method includes receiving, by a first UE of the plurality of UEs, a spectrum usage map comprising one or more licensed frequency bands and one or more unlicensed frequency bands available for use by the first UE, selecting a communication frequency band among the one or more licensed frequency bands and the one or more unlicensed frequency bands, establishing, by the first UE, a communication link with the MSS satellite using the communication frequency band that was selected, and transmitting the spectrum usage map to one or more additional UEs of the plurality of UEs, wherein the additional UEs comprise a second UE. Related wireless electronic devices are also discussed.